Travel along the Tornado Centenary Trail through the historic town of King’s Lynn

and view the decorated Tornados.

The Tornado Flight Path

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More details on:www.42fkingslynnatc.org.ukFollow us on Facebook &

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Designed in conjunction with the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk and sponsored by local businesses to commemorate the 100 years of RAF

Marham.

2 June - 30 September

Includes

Flightpath

map &

Competition

inside

Sir Michael Oswald

Competition PageAs you travel along the Tornado Trail flight path you will find letters on the top of each history board. Collect these letters and when you put them together these will make up a relevant statement.

Once you have completed the trail and worked out the relevant statement, please complete the form below and send to:

Tornado Centenary Competition, 42F Kings Lynn ATC, 5 Paul Drive, Fairgreen, Middleton, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE32 1RU

OR: e-mail your name and telephone number along with your answer to:

aircraftartstrail@gmail.com

Closing Date 30/09/16

Prizes will be signed prints of Tornados from RAF Marham.

Winners will be notified by 21/10/16

Statement ..............................................................

Name ....................................................................

Address ..................................................................

...............................................................................

Phone ...................................................................

Marham Aerodrome 1916 - 1919Marham aerodrome was first opened in 1916 as a military night landing ground, covering 80 acres of the current site. From September 1916, units of 51 Sqn Home Defence were based here, flying patrols with an assortment of FE2b, BE2c. BE2d and BE12 fighter aircraft. At least one FE2b was converted by 51 Sqn at Marham to a single seater to improve the rate of climb and ceiling. Its forward cockpit was covered, twin guns were mounted in the nose and it was named ‘The Chinese Scout’. The patrol area was from Marham to Tydd St Mary.

RAF Marham - The New Site 1935 - 1939Construction started on the present-day Marham aerodrome in early 1935 as part of the RAF’s pre-war expansion program. By July 1936, work was progressing well with two new public roads laid down around the aerodrome to replace the country lanes.

When completed, the aerodrome was a self-contained township, with 15 acres of playing fields, a combined church and cinema, fire station, sick quarters, shops, stores, even prison cells and exercise yard beside the group of hangers for the ‘business end’ of the station.

Materials used included 6.5 million bricks, 5,000 tons of cement, 40,000 tons of ballast & sand and 1 million tiles & slates. The aerodrome opened on 1st April 1937, as a heavy bomber unit within 3 Group, Bomber Command.

RAF Marham World War II 1939 - 1945In November 1940, 38 Sqn moved to Malta. Within two days they were replaced by an advance party of 218 Sqn, which became operational with Wellingtons in December 1940. On 4th, 13th/14th, 25th and 30th of April 1941 both sqns raided Brest, their target being the German battle cruisers “Scharnhorst” and “Gneisenau”. During August 1941, 115 Sqn started the first service trials of “Gee”, one of the new secret radar aids. A new Unit, 1418 Flight was formed with four Wellingtons in December 1941 to develop Gee before it went into widespread use. This flight moved to Tempsford in March 1942.

Mr Albert “Bert” James, ex Flt Sgt RCAF recalls: “I was posted to 115 Sqn at Marham in December 1941. There was only one Bofors ack-ack gun but gun pits were dotted around the airfield made of sandbags these were dummies. The crews were also made of sandbags with faces painted on them; sticks (not always straight!) were mounted on wooden tripods to look like ack-ack guns”.

During January/February 1942 the Wellingtons of 218 Sqn were replaced by Short Stirlings, the first of the four engined heavies used by the RAF during WWII. On 3rd March, Stirling N3712 of 218 Sqn was blown up when a bomb fell from its bomb bay as it landed.

On 12th May, Marham was attacked five times by German raiders; buildings damaged included the Sergeants’ Mess. Marham aircraft also took part in “Gardening” operations in early 1942, the mining of enemy sea lanes.

On 30th May 1942, aircraft from Marham took part in the first “Thousand Bomber” raid. Seventeen Wellingtons of 115 Sqn, followed by 22 Stirlings of 218 Sqn took off that night. 900 bombers reached the target, Cologne, where over 2,400 tons of bombs were dropped and devastated 600 acres of the city.

RAF Marham 1945-1946In January 1946, after the runway was completed, a flight of Lancasters from the Bomber Development Unit arrived from Feltwell to join the Central Bombing Establishment (CBE), along with Radar equipment including: Gee, Oboe, and Rebecca, as well as the standard ground station in an Austin van. Lincoln bombers were gradually added to the strength of the CBE which also included a number of Mosquitos, while the Comms Flight used Anson C12 and Proctor aircraft coded in the XE range.

RAF Marham 1947 - 1950 - Project RubyThe tricycle undercarriages of the B-29s prevented the Grand Slam bombs from being pushed under the fuselage for loading into the bomb bay. To solve this the bombs were placed into a hole dug outside the hangers and the aircraft positioned above for loading. The bomb bay doors would not close with such a large bomb so they were removed. The Lancasters taking part in the trials had been specially modified to carry the ten-tonners, this entailed removal of the nose and dorsal turrets with the bomb bay cut away and strengthened so the bomb could be carried externally.

The American personnel taking part in Project Ruby joined the RAF personnel for parades every morning. Mr Johnston remembers: “they all seemed to be dressed differently, one even wore cowboy boots and probably caused our Warrant Officers to have bouts of high blood pressure! But they were a good crowd when you got to know them”. At the end of their six month stay, a farewell party was planned by the Americans at a dance hall in Norwich. For this, one of the B-17s went to France and returned loaded to the gills with cognac. Nine RAF personnel, of various trades were invited.

RAF Marham 1950 - 1953 - Washington’sBetween 7th and 15th October 1950, Washingtons at Marham took part in exercise “Emperor”. Also taking part in the exercise were B50s of the 93rd BG, USAF. On the night of 22nd January 1952, Avro Lincoln SX923 of 49 Sqn was diverted to Marham from its home airfield at Upwood. While circling to land, the aircraft crashed near the Downham Market road at Black Drove, Fincham. Rescuers managed to drag the only survivor, Sgt J F Green clear who was seriously injured. In July 1952 the Washingtons of 90 Sqn won the RAF Bomber Command bombing competition, which included four separate cross-country night-flights and visual bombing on a range, with points awarded for accuracy and navigation skills. Sqn Ldr Sloane, CO of 90 Sqn was presented with the Laurence Minot Bombing Trophy by MRAF Sir John Slessor on 14th October 1952. Washington B1 WF570 of 35 Sqn crashed at South Acre, near Swaffham on 14th December 1952, killing three of the crew and injuring six others.

RAF Marham 1954 - 1982 - TankingIn January 1956, 214 Sqn re-formed at Marham with Valiant B1s, first of the V Bombers. Powered by four Avon 204 engines, it had a top speed of just over 550 mph. 207 Sqn disbanded on 27th March, re-forming on 1st April with Valiants. That month, a party of VIPs arrived on the station, including Mr N Kruschev accompanied by Marshal Bulganin, Mr I V Kurbachov (a nuclear scientist) and Mr A N Tupolev, the Russian aircraft designer.

90 Sqn disbanded in May 1956 and in July, 35 Sqn left for Upwood. The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh inspected the station that month and presented 207 Sqn with a new standard. 148 Sqn re-formed at Marham in July with Valiant aircraft. During September/October 1956, 148, 207 and 214 squadrons were detached to Luqa airfield in Malta, while 115 Sqn went to Nicosia, Cyprus to take part in the Suez operations. All these squadrons returned to Marham in November/December. On 1st July 1957, 115 Sqn was disbanded.

With the arrival of a nuclear capability in 1957, RAF Marham was awarded its own Station crest. A Blue bull with the motto “Deter”. The glaring bull symbolises a deterrent which aptly refers to the acquirement of a nuclear deterrent capability - hence the motto “DETER”

RAF Marham 1982 - The FalklandsA large detachment of Victor K2 tankers were based on Ascension Island. Initially a small number of Victors carried out maritime radar reconnaissance patrols and were supported by other Victors. Later, the Victors supported Vulcans in “Black Buck” bombing missions, Nimrods on maritime recce patrols, Hercules supply drops and Harriers and Phantoms.

By early 1984 a small number of Victors were still based at Ascension. On 12th October 1982, three Victors led the victory flypast over London in recognition of the work put into “Operation Corporate” by the air and ground crews of the Victor squadrons.

RAF Marham - 1982 - Current Day - The Tornado EraMarham held an open day on 9th April 1983 to celebrate 25 years of in flight refuelling at the Station. Resident aircraft on show included: Victor K2 XL160 of 57 Sqn (hemp camouflage); XL551 of 55 Sqn; XL231 of 232 OCU; Tornado GR1 ZA560/G of 617 Sqn and ZA542/05 of 27 Sqn. Two other types of tanker on static display were KC-135A of the 410th Bomber Wing, USAF and a Vulcan K2 of 50 Sqn.

Resident units at Marham in February 1985 were 27 and 617 Squadrons (Tornado GR1); 55 and 57 Squadrons and 232 OCU (Victor K2) and the Fenland Gliding Club with various gliders. On 30th June 1986, 57 Squadron was disbanded. From March 1987 the Tornado GR1s of the Tornado Weapons Conversion Unit from Honington were based here while runway repairs were carried out; they returned home after six months. HM The Queen Mother arrived by road on 13th January 1988 to present 617 Sqn with a new standard in No 1 Hangar. The Nimrod MR2s of 42 Sqn arrived at Marham in March 1988, for a stay of about 12 months while runway repairs were undertaken at their home base of St Mawgan.

Welcome to Royal Air Force MarhamRAF Marham is home to the frontline squadrons of the RAF’s Tornado GR4 Force, which is currently focused on operations in the Middle East alongside holding a high readiness state for contingency operations across the Globe. Beyond flying, the station is also home to the Tactical Imagery-Intelligence Wing (TIW), the Tornado GR Force HQ, No. 3 (RAF) Force Protection Wing HQ, No. 93 Expeditionary Armament Squadron, No. 2620 (County of Norfolk) Sqn RAux AF Regiment, and a plethora of engineering support functions ranging from deep maintenance to front line support. Furthermore, following the 2013 announcement that RAF Marham will be the future home of the F-35 Lightning Force, extensive infrastructure changes are beginning across the base in anticipation of the arrival of the UK’s first ever 5th Generation, multi-role, stealth fighter.

The broad population of almost 10,000 people is made up of members of all 3 Services, the Civil Service, Industry, Contractors and families, all of whom play an integral role in making the RAF Marham machine operate effectively and efficiently. Located in West Norfolk, RAF Marham enjoys incredible local support from families, friends and especially the surrounding local communities.

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Flight Path of the Tornado

Mapping designed and produced by Oxford Cartographers www.oxfordcarto.com © Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk. Photography: Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk; RAF Marham.

The Tornado GR4 is a two-seat, all-weather, day/night attack and reconnaissance aircraft. It has been in service with the RAF for more than 30 years, but a combination of major upgrade programmes and numerous continual enhancements has kept the aircraft amongst the forefront of all attack aircraft.

The LibraryThe King’s Lynn library was funded and opened by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, in the early part of the twentieth century.

St Nicholas’ ChapelThe largest ‘chapel-of-ease’ in England, this is a building on a grand scale, reflecting Lynn as one of the main port towns of medieval England.

The WalksThis historic urban park in the heart of the town is known as The Walks. It is the only surviving 18th century town walk in Norfolk.

Lattice HouseThis historic pub preserves the name first used in 1714, when this much older building became an inn.

Tuesday Market PlaceThe market place in the centre of King’s Lynn, one of the finest in Europe, is surrounded by outstanding architectural buildings.

Vancouver Quarter Shopping CentreAdjacent to the bus station and near to King’s Lynn railway station, the Vancouver Quarter is perfectly placed for visitors wanting to explore the shops and the town’s rich heritage.

True’s Yard Fisherfolk MuseumThis is a Museum of the social history in King’s Lynn. It is an independent Museum run almost entirely by volunteers and depicts the story of the old North End fishing quarter of King’s Lynn.

Town Hall & Stories of LynnKing’s Lynn Town Hall has been at the centre of life in the town for over eight centuries and is now home to the new Stories of Lynn attraction.

The Corn ExchangeGrade II listed facade of this building, originally built in 1854, is a testimony to the glory of Victorian architecture.

Duke’s Head HotelThe Duke’s Head was built in 1683 for the King’s Lynn Member of Parliament, Sir John Turner, and is also attributed to the architect Henry Bell.

Bank HouseDescribed by Sir Nikolaus Pevsner as one of the finest houses in King’s Lynn, Bank House was built in the early 18th Century for one of King’s Lynn’s richest merchants.

The Tudor RoseBuilt around 1500 by a local merchant, the Tudor Rose Hotel is situated where the old town wall (now at the side of the council office) surrounded this historic port town.

Lynn MuseumThe museum itself was founded in 1844 by members of the Lynn Conversazione and Society of Arts.

Custom HouseThis grade one listed building is one of the town’s most iconic landmarks. Designed by architect Henry Bell, it was built by Sir John Turner in 1685.

Hanse HouseEngland’s only surviving example of a Hanseatic business headquarters, dating from 1475, the complex featured warehouses and offices built around a narrow court.

Thoresby CollegeThis fine Tudor building, incorporating a beautiful courtyard, originally housed the priests of the Trinity Guild in King’s Lynn.

South QuayFishing has always been a strong part of Lynn’s history. Queen Elizabeth I granted Lynn fishermen the right to “free and uninterrupted use of the Fisher Fleet forever”

Railway StationThe rail station is the terminus of the Fen Line from Cambridge. It has been the only railway station in the town since the closure of the one in South Lynn in 1959.

Marriott’s WarehouseThis Grade II* listed building dates from the 1580s. One of many warehouses built along the banks of the River Great Ouse it was unusual for having a lower storey built in stone to resist the tides.

St George’s GuildhallThe auditorium is housed in the Guildhall of George, the largest surviving 15th century guildhall in England (restored 1945 – 1950). Now used as a venue for theatre, music, dance and films presented by local groups.

Greyfriars TowerIt stands 93 feet (28 metres) high and leans about a degree and a half to the north west.

Lynn MinsterKing’s Lynn Minster, formerly St Margaret’s Church was founded in 1101. Partially re-built in 1741 after the spire collapsed into the nave after a storm, it has dominated Saturday Market place for around 900 years.

Purfleet QuayThe Purfleet was the town’s principal anchorage for ships since medieval times when it was probably wider than what is seen today. The statue of Captain George Vancouver and a compass set into the quayside celebrates some of King’s Lynn’s great navigators, explorers and traders.

Still one of the very few aircraft in the world that is able to operate at low level, day or night and in poor weather, the Tornado is now equipped with a modern precision-guided weapons suite and world-class reconnaissance sensors such as the Reconnaissance Airborne Pod for Tornado (RAPTOR). The aircraft also carries the Litening III Advanced Targeting Pod, which is used in both attack and reconnaissance roles.

The RAF has had Tornados deployed to the Middle East region for more than 20 years – further proof of the versatility and capability of this exceptional aircraft.

Short, fat fuselage with a very large, swept fin and rudder (2). Shoulder-mounted ‘swing wings’ can be operated between 25° and 67° of sweep (3). Two-seat tandem cockpit (4) and a short nose cone (1). All moving tailplane on the sides of the twin engine tailpipes. Two small pods under the forward fuselage house the laser-guiding and infra-red night vision systems. The easiest ways to differentiate between the GR4 and Tornado F3, which was retired in 2011, are the shape of the nose; the GR4 nose is blunt and stubby (1); the F3’s is longer and sleeker (5). The F3 also lacks the under-chin pods of the GR4 whilst the F3 airframe is also 6 feet (2.16m) longer.

Start / FinishSaturday Market Place, Home of

Follow the Flight Path to find 15 Tornados and 24 History Boards .The Flight Path will take you past many of King’s Lynn’s historic buildings and locations:1 The Town Hall & Stories of Lynn2 King’s Lynn Minster3 Hanse House4 Marriott’s Warehouse5 Thoresby College6 Bank House7 Purfleet Quay8 The Custom House9 St George’s Guildhall10 The Corn Exchange11 Duke’ s Head Hotel12 Tuesday Market Place13 The Tudor Rose14 St Nicholas’ Chapel15 True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum16 The Lattice House17 The Vancouver Quarter18 Lynn Museum19 King’s Lynn Railway Station20 St James Park and the Walks21 Greyfriars Tower22 King’s Lynn Library

Key:Public car parks

Access via cobbled street

No drop kerb

Pedestrianised

Swimming Pool

Disabled Toilet

Toilet

ABC

Tornado Flight Path

Tornado & history board locations

Building Locations

St. James’ Multi Storey Car Park

Railway Station

Bus Station